Stroke/ Cerebrovascular Disease
Cerebrovascular disease is a term that encompasses various conditions that affect the blood supply to the brain. These conditions can cause serious complications, such as stroke, brain aneurysm, brain hemorrhage, or carotid artery disease. Stroke is the most common and the most life-threatening type of cerebrovascular disease. It occurs when a blood vessel in the brain either ruptures or becomes blocked by a clot, depriving the brain cells of oxygen and nutrients. Stroke can result in permanent brain damage, disability, or death. According to the Mayo Clinic, some of the signs and symptoms of stroke include:
– Trouble speaking and understanding what others are saying.
– Paralysis or numbness of the face, arm, or leg, usually on one side of the body.
– Problems seeing in one or both eyes.
– Headache, often accompanied by vomiting, dizziness, or altered consciousness.
– Trouble walking, stumbling, or losing balance or coordination.
Stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. The sooner the treatment is given, the better the chances of minimizing brain damage and improving recovery. Some of the treatment options for stroke include medications to dissolve clots, surgery to remove clots or repair bleeding vessels, and rehabilitation to restore function and mobility. Some of the risk factors for stroke include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity, and age. However, stroke can affect anyone at any time, regardless of sex, race, or health status.
Cerebrovascular disease is a serious health problem that affects millions of people worldwide. It is important to be aware of its causes, symptoms, and treatments, as well as to adopt preventive measures to reduce the risk of stroke and other complications. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing chronic conditions, and seeking medical attention promptly if stroke symptoms occur, people can improve their chances of surviving and recovering from cerebrovascular disease.
Works Cited
“Cerebrovascular Disease: Types, Causes & Symptoms.” Cleveland Clinic, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24205-cerebrovascular-disease. Accessed 15 Oct. 2023.
“Cerebrovascular Disease: Life Expectancy, Treatment, and Prognosis.” Healthline, https://www.healthline.com/health/cerebrovascular-disease. Accessed 15 Oct. 2023.
“Stroke – Symptoms and Causes.” Mayo Clinic, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stroke/symptoms-causes/syc-20350113. Accessed 15 Oct. 2023.
American Diabetes Association. “9. Cardiovascular disease and risk management.” Diabetes care 40.Supplement 1 (2017): S75-S87.
Martins, Bárbara, et al. “Data Mining for Cardiovascular Disease Prediction.” Journal of Medical Systems 45.1 (2021): 1-8.
Frontera, Jennifer A., et al. “Risk factors, mortality, and timing of ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke with left ventricular Help devices.” The Journal of Heart and Lung Transplantation 36.6 (2017): 673-683.
